Mathematics for Industry Network – 2 years on

As the Mathematics for Industry Network (MI-NET) prepares to launch their 3rd year of events we consider it timely to reflect back on our achievements.

Mathematics for Industry Network (MI-NET) was set up as a COST Action in May 2015. Our main objective is to facilitate more effective widespread application of mathematics to all industrial sectors, by encouraging interaction between mathematicians and industrialists, in particular through 1. industry-driven problem solving workshops 2. academia-driven training and secondments.

MI-NET started as a small network of 15 countries and has now grown to include 31 countries.

In recognition of our successful last two years we were pleased to hear news of an increased budget for the next financial year and to be invited to apply for a 10-15 minute slot at the press briefing of this year’s European Conference for Science Journalists (Copenhagen, 26-30 June). If successful, we will be presenting alongside other organisations like CERN, ERC, ESO, ESS, ESA, Max IV, or the European Commission’s JRC. Among the media outlets who’ve already confirmed their attendance are the BBC, CNN, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Nature, New Delhi Television Limited, Science et Avenir, as well as major Danish newspapers, Danish national broadcaster DR, Videnskab.dk and Science Nordic (leading Scandinavian science websites). Our Action was also specifically mentioned by European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, at the ‘Inspiring researchers, strengthening Europe-Portugal in the spotlight’ day.

We are confident that by exploiting the mathematical knowledge and methodologies of academics we are providing European industry with a competitive advantage. Universities are benefiting, as mathematicians are able to focus on particularly relevant and cutting edge research problems. The training of Early-Career Investigators in particular is creating a generation with problem solving and communication skills and collaborative links that will be essential to maintain the goals of this Action in the future long after this funding has finished.

We have captured reports from study groups and modelling weeks as well as blogs from participants who have shared their experience while attending our events. If you are interested in joining MI-NET or would like to apply for funding to support an activity in the world of industrial mathematics please contact us. We would be delighted to hear from you!